Miami Airport Honors Aviation Pioneer Glenn Curtiss

New exhibit celebrates the life and legacy of the founder of Miami Springs, Opa-Locka, and Hialeah

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Miami International Airport has unveiled a new history exhibit honoring the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, who founded the cities of Miami Springs, Opa-Locka and Hialeah. The exhibit features model planes, pilot goggles, and photos from the 1920s, showcasing Curtiss' contributions to aviation and his role in shaping South Florida's development.

Why it matters

Glenn Curtiss was a pioneering figure in aviation who played a crucial role in the early development of Miami and its surrounding cities. This exhibit helps to commemorate his legacy and the centennials of Miami Springs and Opa-Locka, both of which were founded by Curtiss in 1926.

The details

The exhibit is located on the fourth floor mezzanine of MIA's Concourse J and was created in collaboration with the City of Miami Springs, Miami-Dade County, and MIA, with assistance from the Anthony Abraham Foundation and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visitors can see artifacts and plaques telling the story of Curtiss' flying school in Miami in the 1910s and 20s, as well as photos honoring other historical South Florida figures in aviation.

  • The exhibit opened on March 30, 2026.
  • The exhibit will be open to the public through August 31, 2026, a week after Miami Springs' 100th anniversary.

The players

Glenn Curtiss

An aviation pioneer who founded the cities of Miami Springs, Opa-Locka, and Hialeah, and established flying schools in Miami in the 1910s and 1920s.

Walter Fajet

The mayor of Miami Springs, who spoke at the exhibit's unveiling and emphasized the importance of upholding Curtiss' legacy.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

The airport that collaborated with the City of Miami Springs and Miami-Dade County to create the exhibit honoring Glenn Curtiss.

Ken Wilson

An 88-year-old Miami Springs resident who worked at MIA starting in 1955 and met his wife Maria while interviewing her for a secretary position in the 1980s.

Maria Wilson

Ken Wilson's wife, who he met while interviewing her for a secretary position at MIA in the 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“I'm glad that we're able to honor him today, but most importantly, I'm reminded that we have his legacy that we have to uphold as leaders. I am certain that by doing this, we're showing our commitment to leading with boldness and with the resilience that he modeled for us.”

— Walter Fajet, Mayor of Miami Springs

“I came to work for this airport in 1955. So this brings back a lot of fine memories.”

— Ken Wilson, 88-year-old Miami Springs resident

“I didn't hire her because she was too pretty. I had 106 mechanics working here at the terminal. The last thing I needed was a pretty girl sitting in the office drawing attention from these guys.”

— Ken Wilson, 88-year-old Miami Springs resident

“I forgave him.”

— Maria Wilson

“Miami-Dade was shaped by great pioneers: Julia Tuttle, Henry Flagler, Mary Brickell, George Merrick and Carl Fisher. But Curtiss did something different. He didn't just develop land, he built an industry.”

— Jorge Santin, Miami Springs Councilman

What’s next

The exhibit will remain open to the public through August 31, 2026, a week after Miami Springs' 100th anniversary.

The takeaway

This exhibit highlights the important legacy of Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer who not only advanced the field of aeronautics but also played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Miami and its surrounding cities. By commemorating his contributions, the exhibit helps to educate visitors about a significant figure in South Florida's history.